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Boating

Experienced paddlers with kayaks, canoes, or whitewater rafts have access to many portions of Yosemite's rivers. If you'll be boating in Yosemite, please be aware of the following regulations:

All lakes other than Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and some rivers (described below) are open to non-motorized vessels. (Sections of river may close if debris or changing river characteristics restrict passage by vessels.)

Vessels must be in good condition and rated for the classification of water users are intending to navigate.

Launching and retrieving vessels is only allowed at designated locations (as described below)

Use of a trailer or wheeled device to launch or retrieve a vessel is prohibited.

Dragging vessels on vegetation is prohibited.

Personal flotation devices (PFD) must be:

worn by children aged 13 years and younger (no exceptions)

worn by every person when paddling on the Merced River above Little Yosemite Valley and below El Capitan Bridge.

worn by every person when paddling anywhere on the Merced River or Tuolumne River on each day that the gage height at Pohono Bridge is above 4 feet at 8 am.

worn by every person when paddling on the Tuolumne River or South Fork Merced River

otherwise in possession for each person (we strongly encourage wearing a PFD even when it's not required)

Merced River (including Yosemite Valley)

Boating is allowed on the following sections of the Merced River, with the following restrictions:

Headwaters to Little Yosemite Valley Campground

This section of the Merced River is always open.

Launching and retrieving boats is permitted along this entire section of river.

There is no vehicle access to this section. You must hike at least four miles of strenuous trail to access this section and you must hike back 3.8 to 4.7 miles of strenuous trail from Little Yosemite Valley at the end of this segment.

The Merced River from El Capitan Bridge downstream to the junction of the El Portal Road (continuation of Highway 140) and Big Oak Flat Road is open each day when the gage height at Pohono Bridge is at least 3.4 feet at 8 am.

Launching and retrieving boats is permitted only at the following locations:

The area of El Capitan Bridge for approximately 100 feet upstream and downstream, or as signed